SPOILERS Steve Martin's career is hardly what it once was. A superb stand up comic who transferred to Hollywood, his career has been going down hill ever since the dreadful "Sgt Bilko" in 1996. As a comedian he's not as good as he used to be, but as an author his skill is still relatively fresh. Writer of 2005's "Shopgirl", Steve has created a screenplay of his own semi-autobiographical novel. Based around an aspiring artist looking for love, the story is a clever enough piece with some interesting insights into life. At the same time though, there are definite flaws. Irrelevant of his writing skills, Martin is still a mediocre actor, and worst of all is his irrelevant and pointless voice over which grows increasingly tiresome with time.
Mirabelle (Claire Danes) works at the glove department of a major department store. A depressive artist away from work, her affection is divided between the smart and charming older Ray (Martin) and the fun, albeit completely useless Jeremy (Jason Schwartzman). Which one is she going to choose? Definitely better when the hilarious Jeremy is on screen, "Shopgirl" is a fun enough 'chick flick' with some great lessons on life and romance. It reminds us of both the beauty and the torture of romance and how for all the joy, it also brings an immense amount of misery.
How love can turn so quickly is demonstrated best by the obscure relationship between Steve Martin and the impressive Claire Danes. Fluctuating between happy and sad at a moments notice, Danes is one of the finer points of the film. The character is passionate and Danes' ability is more than equal to the task.
Which is sadly more than can be said about Martin. Always a weak actor, Martin's rare talent has been to make us laugh in his earlier films. Sadly as the actor gets tired, so does his comedy talent. Playing an old romeo of sorts, Martin never seems to fit the part and his absolutely terrible voice over ruins the film. This happens not only because the voice over is badly timed and completely irrelevant, it manages to both destroy any emotion in the scene and points out the obvious. We know how Martin's character is feeling, we don't need a narration as well.
As a writer, Steve Martin still has a clever edge, and in "Shopgirl" this talent is more than demonstrated. Unfortunately as an actor his screen life has faded beyond an acceptable level and it's got to be time he disappears behind the camera permanently. Still, with his younger cast members, this story is acceptable. Often funny when Jason Schwartzman is present, it has some brilliant moments. It's just a shame the author manages to ruin things with his acting appearance.
Mirabelle (Claire Danes) works at the glove department of a major department store. A depressive artist away from work, her affection is divided between the smart and charming older Ray (Martin) and the fun, albeit completely useless Jeremy (Jason Schwartzman). Which one is she going to choose? Definitely better when the hilarious Jeremy is on screen, "Shopgirl" is a fun enough 'chick flick' with some great lessons on life and romance. It reminds us of both the beauty and the torture of romance and how for all the joy, it also brings an immense amount of misery.
How love can turn so quickly is demonstrated best by the obscure relationship between Steve Martin and the impressive Claire Danes. Fluctuating between happy and sad at a moments notice, Danes is one of the finer points of the film. The character is passionate and Danes' ability is more than equal to the task.
Which is sadly more than can be said about Martin. Always a weak actor, Martin's rare talent has been to make us laugh in his earlier films. Sadly as the actor gets tired, so does his comedy talent. Playing an old romeo of sorts, Martin never seems to fit the part and his absolutely terrible voice over ruins the film. This happens not only because the voice over is badly timed and completely irrelevant, it manages to both destroy any emotion in the scene and points out the obvious. We know how Martin's character is feeling, we don't need a narration as well.
As a writer, Steve Martin still has a clever edge, and in "Shopgirl" this talent is more than demonstrated. Unfortunately as an actor his screen life has faded beyond an acceptable level and it's got to be time he disappears behind the camera permanently. Still, with his younger cast members, this story is acceptable. Often funny when Jason Schwartzman is present, it has some brilliant moments. It's just a shame the author manages to ruin things with his acting appearance.